I think the Kings and Rangers as well, and as hockey fan, I want that, to see the 2 best goalies in the game going head to head, save to save, two top D's battling, Callahan and Co. taking on Brown and the boys.

I get that Pierre (like a lot of analysts) love the Pens mostly due to Crosby. And if healthy, he's the best player in the game. But I don't think Fluery or that Pens D can match the Rangers and Lundquist. And the Rangers are a physical team and I think over a 7 game series, would wear the Pens down. (and wouldnb't I love to see Callahan lay out Crosby)

Another annoying thing (and it really irks me) this guy(not mcquire the other dolt) goes into the 'kings barely made the playoffs, couldn't score , what if that happens again...' ReallY? You're paid to be an analyst and you can't get historical data and figure out Pre and Post Sutter? You can track what Carter's addition did for the scoring (from Mar 1 onward, 2nd highest scoring team in the league) You didn't see the team that finally arrived, played up to potential with a coach who had a solid plan and motivated?

And it's in a lot of 2013 previews...why can't they give the Kings the credit ? Why are they so willing to say 'Oh they got hot at the right time, eigth seed overachieved. etc.?
Can't they see how Sutter changed the team, gave them an identity?

I'm just gonna predict the top 8 in the west, we all know anything can happen in the playoffs.

1. STL
2. LA
3. VAN
4. CHI
5. SJ
6. PHX (Dave Tippett)
7. COL
8. DET

I just don't buy Dallas, Edmonton or Anaheim and I think Minnesota added too many pieces at key positions that they may start slow, and Calgary is well, Calgary.

Overall, I like your predictions. I don't think St. Louis will repeat that good of a performance though, as a good chunk was due to Elliott's out of this world performance that traditionally he has never come close to doing before. Unless Halak can really carry the load, I doubt St. Louis will repeat at that level.

I see it more like
1. Vancouver
2. LA
3. St. Louis
4. Chicago
5. Detroit (they always find a way to win)
6. Phoenix
7. Dallas
8. Colorado

I think San Jose misses out this year and we see a fire sale. And who knows what is going on in Anaheim. Edmonton is a good year away yet, and Calgary will hopefully figure out its time to rebuild. Plus Hartley's never won without a loaded roster (aside from one solid season in Atlanta).

I'm just gonna predict the top 8 in the west, we all know anything can happen in the playoffs.

1. STL
2. LA
3. VAN
4. CHI
5. SJ
6. PHX (Dave Tippett)
7. COL
8. DET

The (selfish) fan in me just can't accept that fact that the Kings would slip at all after their great playoff run last season. Ok, Kopitar misses 1.5 - 2 weeks, but that's the only downside I can see.

I think you could see 3-4 really good teams on the outside looking in. 1 major injury to a big player and you could slide right out of the playoff picture in a condensed schedule. Jagr has been on fire in Europe, Dallas could be interesting but they are old. I could see the Wings sliding out of the playoffs this year but King fans have been counting them out for about 15 years for various reasons and they always find a way.